A breakthrough in modern times is US President Donald Trump’s decision to meet North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un. It is characteristic of the ad-hoc style of Trump’s functioning as a president. The decision is most unexpected. Last month the US announced new tough sanctions against illicit shipping by North Korea. Weeks earlier, the US Vice President, Mike Pence announced at the Winter Olympics at Seoul that the US did not want a thaw in relations with North Korea. Throughout last year, Trump and Kim had been at loggerheads with each other. Mudslinging at each other was of an extreme nature. The change overnight is astonishing. It is true that South Korea has been trying hard to bring Kim to the conference table. Kim had sent a delegation led by his sister to the Seoul Olympics. North Korea showed great affability at the closing ceremony. But US sanctions on North Korea continue. The Trump administration has made it clear that maximum pressure will be exerted to bring an end to the nuclear designs of Pyongyang. It is not yet certain however that the Trump-Kim talks will be finally held.
The reason Trump has taken this decision may be to divert attention from his Russian problem. His move is reminiscent of Richard Nixon’s visit to China in 1972. The decision means Washington, still has faith in conflict resolution, whatever may be the fallout. If there is sincerity in Donald Trump’s decision, it should set an example to other feuding countries.